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ODM leader Raila Odinga. [File, Standard]

ODM leader Raila Odinga has defended the government deal with Indian firm Adani Holdings Limited that seeks to overhaul and upgrade Jomo Kenyatta International  Airport (JKIA) despite the heat it has raised in country.

Raila said the arrangement handled through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement was a better way of executing state projects than seeking funds through World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) adding the government is today reeling under a debt burden.

In a stand that reveals a changed opposition leader who previously would get at the government attacking it from all corners, a mellowed-down Raila insisted that the airport upgrade and power distribution in the country was a better deal. 

“We all have misgivings about how the current proposed PPP concerning JKIA and power distribution have been processed which has resulted in the raging debate over the involvement of the Indian firm in the airport and energy sector projects. Unfortunately, these misgivings have also resulted in a lot of misinformation regarding the investors who have made the PPP proposals,” said Raila. 

Raila also defended the government for transmission of power by state agency Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (Ketraco) despite the matter now being handled by the courts.

A lawsuit, filed by the Commission for Human Rights and Justice through its director, Julius Ogogoh, alleges that the agreement between Ketraco and Adani was conducted secretly, without proper public participation.

According to documents before court, officials from the National Treasury allegedly made a quiet visit to Ahmedabad, India, in January to engage in discussions with Adani regarding the implementation of transmission PPPs with little involvement of the public. 

Yesterday, however, while addressing the media at a Mombasa hotel, Raila said when he was the Prime Minister he was invited to India and liked the massive development which Adani had done.

“When I was the Prime Minister, I was introduced to the company and its activities by Prime Minister Narenda Modi while he was the Chief Minister of the state of Gujarati,” Raila said. By Willis Oketch, The Standard

 

Raila said while in Gujarat, he visited several company’s infrastructure  that included the port, power plant, a railway line and an airstrip developed out of a swamp donated by the government,’ He further visited Mumbai and saw electricity projects set up by the company serving over 13 million consumers.

The former prime minister defended the company  and insisted it owns more energy infrastructure than Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania combined

“Adani Energy Solutions has cumulative transmission network of 21,783 circuit kilometers of power transmission lines and 61,686 MVA transmission capacity,” said Raila. He said this was not the first time Adani was coming to Kenya through a PPP arrangement

“After the government delegation came back, the company expressed interest in investing in Kenya, the first expression of interest was far back as 2010,” said Raila.

Raila said the most viable tested and reliable means by which Kenyans can develop their country was through public-private partnership

“Under the circumstances, the most viable,tested and reliable means through which we can sustainable address the country’s infrastructure  needs is through Public Private Partnership PPP. and regretted that some people were misinforming the public about the Indian firm.

Meanwhile, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka yesterday cited the Adani deal as one of the big ripoffs that the Ruto administration has launched.

He said the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been launched as a smokescreen to hide the deal, noting that as Kenyans are occupied with discussing the impeachment, nefarious deals will be sealed underneath

“The impeachment drama was a smokescreen that was meant to divert the attention of Kenyans and provide cover for multibillion deals to be sealed by the bread-based Government. Gachagua, as a Kenyan, has got his rights under the law, and I can tell you quite frankly, I was very impressed by his own presentation and his own defence,” said Kalonzo yesterday at a press conference at a Nairobi hotel

In Mombasa Raila who has emerged to be a solid defender of the Ruto administration said the government should design  models which cater for specific realities about any projects if Kenyans were not comfortable with the present one. “Ensure our models provide for the distribution of the PPP burden fairly between the people of Kenya and investors. Kenyans cannot be made to bear all risks in PPP projects. Kenyans can guarantee break – even returns, but never commercial profit,” he said.

Raila further dismissed those agitating for public participation  in every development being initiated

“The public participation in this country is being taken out content. In developed countries there is nothing like that,” said Raila. By Willis Oketch, The Standard

3 young men accused of beheading 2 women in Kapuri at a police station in Juba’s Gudele suburb in April 2029 (Photo: Eye Radio)

South Sudan, Africa’s youngest state with an estimated population of 12 million, majority of who are youth, has experienced increasing involvement of youngsters in gambling and gang criminal activities.

The group activities have resulted in the loss of lives of many young people and the destruction of properties because of revenge attacks.

The majority of the young people involved in gambling and gang attacks were school dropouts during the 2016 violence across the country.

One of them, Jacob Okwi, aka Hard Boy, reckons that he resorted to violence to punish his relatives who failed to support him and his younger sister, including failure to send them to school and hospital following the demise of their father.

“When my father died in the 2016 crisis, I and my younger sister lived with my father’s relatives. Life became so difficult for both of us because we were not provided with an average child’s needs. One day, I borrowed some money from a friend to start a new life with my sister. Since then, the gangster group has been my family because we take good care of ourselves,’’ he said in an interview with Radio Tamazuj.

Okwi says he does not regret joining the gangster life because he is now stable and can afford to live a life of freedom, which they had been missing since the death of their parents. He has even sponsored his sister to a secondary school. He revealed that he sometimes got arrested but due to the spirit of teamwork, his group members always bailed him out because that is one of the objectives of the group.

“I am not regretting becoming a gang member because it is from here that I have found a real home for me and my sister. I can now send my sister to school and that is what is making me push harder every day. I have chosen a risky life because I can be arrested but my group members bail me out. I believe that is how a family takes care of themselves.’’

However, he urges the Revitalized Transitional Government of the National Unity (R-TGoNU) to develop laws that prosecute any parents and guardians who fail to send their children to school, or to provide their basic needs, forcing some of them to join the street gangs. He called on R-TGoNU to come up with youth empowerment activities to keep the young people busy.

“Most of us did not choose this kind of life but because of the mistreatment from our relatives and the people we live with, joining the gangster life became the only option. The government should introduce laws to punish parents or guardians who neglect their responsibilities.

“I was once just passing by the road and saw a group of youngsters, Nigas, unleashing violence on people randomly. I also fell victim and after they beat me up, I decided to join the West Boys, a rival gang, so that they do not come for me again. I joined because I wanted to protect myself and, as an orphan, I could only stay with my friends.”

James Brown, formerly of the West Boys gang, said he was influenced by his colleagues to join the group, which diverted his life to consuming toxic substances and smoking weed, which made him to act violently even at home. On realizing that his life was in danger, he decided to abandon the group.

“It was my friend who influenced me to join them. They were three in number and I became the fourth member. They influenced me to consume toxic drinks and smoke cigarettes and opium. My relationship with my family became bad, as I could not listen to my mother. I insulted my father and my uncle and stole money just to go and buy drugs that we were using.’’

Brown testified that since he quit the gang life, there was much improvement in his life. He said he had become a responsible person, taking care of his family and siblings amid the challenging economic situation.

“I have been through a dangerous life. I joined the gangster life in 2009 and involved myself in consuming different substances that messed my life and the relationship with my parents. I decided to quit and stay with my family so that I can help them. If building a house takes a plan, why not I planning for my life?’’

James’ testimony can inspire young men and women who were still risking their lives in the gangster activities.

The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani, argues that young people were getting into criminal activities due to lack of jobs to keep them busy.

Joseph Bilal, a parent whose son has been living a gang life, expressed his frustrations with the direction young people were taking, citing that he frequently faced threats from his son who talks of cutting him up, or inviting his group members to do so. He urges the government to take the lead in reforming the deviant children.

“You want to discipline your child by telling them what is wrong, and it is like you are the child and they are the parents. He threatens your and life and calls you names while threatening to cut you with a machete or reach out to his group members to deal with you.”

A former gang member who chose to remain anonymous, said, he once escaped death narrowly after being targeted by the gangsters at 10pm as he was returning home from watching a Premier League football game at the Lologo residential area.

“I thank God because I was attacked near our home when I was returning from watching football at a nearby sports joint. The group descended on me with machetes, pangas and sticks before I escaped and some neighbors rescued me.”

He urged the Transitional Government to develop policies aimed at creating a peaceful environment for the locals because people were living in fear due to the activities of the gangsters.

“It is the duty of the Revitalized Transitional Government of the National Unity to develop policies that prohibit the activities of the gang groups and empower the young people not to join the bloody activities because most residents of the outskirts of Juba were living in fear due to the threats by the groups.”

Flora Kiden Yohana of the Resurrection Ministries Worldwide in Nyakuron West in Juba called on the churches across the country to take a lead in countering the increasing gang violence. She stated that the young people got involved in gangsters activities due to the pressing challenges facing families and it was the role of the church and the government to shepherd them to engage in productive activities.

“The incidents of gangsters in South Sudan were increasing and I am not only calling on the government to address the matter, but also the churches and members of the communities to play a key role in ending the youth attacks.”

She said the children brought up peacefully by the church, the government and the community would turn out to be the future leaders.

“In my view, the parents, the religious leaders and the law enforcement agencies should engage peacefully with the children in order to prevent them from joining wrong groups.”

The Chief of Juba Na Bari North quarter Council, Ronald Jacob Lorido, stressed that the gangster activities in South Sudan were alarming, especially in his area where he had been attacked in his office.

“Our young children have joined wrong groups of the Nigas and everyone knows about their threat. They recently attacked me with pangas in my office,” he said.

The Chief revealed that after the gang members stormed his office, he sat down with his members and developed some strategies to dialogue with them to understand their grievances and they managed to reach some understanding.

“We sat down one day and decided to change the strategies which involved police arrests. We managed to engage all the three groups of the Nigas and Juba Na Bari North quarter council area is currently peaceful.”

In his statement to the media on August 21, 2024, Police Spokesperson Col John Kassara Koang Nhial, emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration with the media to enhance security in the world’s youngest country.

“We need to know that security is the responsibility of all of us. Therefore, we need our collaborative work and involve the media houses on the criminal activities that sometimes happen in some residential areas. By doing so, we will be able to maintain and build the citizens’ trust,” he said.

The emergence of gangs in Juba in areas like Gumbo Sherikat, Lologo, Konyokonyo, Gudele, New Site, and Hai Referendum, Kator, Nyakuron, Rock City, Kor William and Jebel has reverberated across the country in Yei, Wau, Yambio, Rumbek, Nimule, Torit and Bor, among others.

It is important to note that these gangs have caused a lot atrocity, leaving residents in fear.

Youth gangs have torn at the South Sudanese community’s feelings of safety. Some communities have devised initiatives to promote development and help rehabilitate the deviant youths.

Social intervention, youth-serving agencies, schools, street outreach workers, grassroots groups, faith-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other criminal justice organizations were all being deployed to rehabilitate the youth. By Radio Tamazuj

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka speaking at KICC, Nairobi on July 9, during the signing into law of IEBC Amendment Bill 2024.

Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Sunday expressed solidarity with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his impending motion set to be heard and determined in Senate this coming week.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Kalonzo congratulated the 44 members of parliament (MPs) who voted NO on the motion seeking to remove Gachagua from office. 

The former Vice President critised the 281 legislators who voted YES to impeach the deputy president insisting this was against the will of the people.

“Parliament should have also taken into account what Kenyans said on the public participation across the country,” he stated.

Kalonzo further defended Deputy President Gachagua saying he is being used as a scapegoat to cover up for serious national issues like the Adani takeover and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) among other things.

“The issue is not Gachagua, he is just being used as a scapegoat. Gachagua is a Kenyan and has got his rights under the law,” he noted stressing that the Constitution of Kenya allows for an individual’s rights to be upheld. 

Kalonzo pointed out that the country is faced with unprecedented state capture which should take centre stage in national conversations as opposed to politics of betrayal witnessed in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“Some of us hold the view that this parliament was impeached by Kenyans on the June 25. So they lack the moral authority to adjudicate on such heavy matters of national importance,” he added emphasizing that MPs overlooked the willpower of the people which nearly plunged the country into a state of anarchy.

“I can tell you quite frankly I was very impressed with the presentation he gave on his own defence.”

Kalonzo defended Gachagua on the issue of shareholding noting that Gachagua produced documents that showed that Mudavadi and Wetangu’a got their share in Kenya Kwanza government upon assumption of office. 

He pitied MPs who voted contrary to their constituents noting their time in office in numbered as Kenyans are waiting for them in 2027.

This comes as Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to explore all legal avenues to block his ouster. On Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17, he will be expected to defend himself in Senate. By Joe Macharia, Kenyans.co.ke

An aerial view of Nairobi City.[Courtesy]

We love visiting five-star hotels. They epitomise the best in service provision. Their food is diverse, their ambience too and their accommodation top notch. Rarely do they play loud music common in 'joints'.

It’s a mystery why we play loud music in places meant for relaxation, or in matatus. It’s probably to alter our moods to consume more. I always notice music decibels go up as we get deeper into the night. The louder the music, the higher the chances the place is frequented by men and women struggling economically. You have to entice or con them into spending.

Let’s add the prestige that goes with association with such high-end hotels. We pay a premium for that, but willingly. "Can we meet at Norfolk or Radisson" is different from, "Let’s meet at Karumaindo" or your local. 

Five-star hotels also represent the best in market segmentation. If you got money, that is where you patronise. If not moneyed, there are other affordable places for you.

Noted a new method of raising the status of hotels? Reservation or booking. Location in residential areas with minimal travel is another emerging trend.  Noted new restaurants within apartment blocks? 

I love visiting five-star and zero-star hotels. You get great insights into Kenyans' economic life. A cup of tea made with the same milk and tea leaves will cost Sh100 in a cafe across the street and Sh500 in a five-star hotel. That leaves many ordinary Kenyans visiting five-star hotels only during seminars, adding to their mysticism.

Enough on five-star hotels. Is Nairobi slowly becoming a five-star city, out of reach for ordinary Kenyans? It has better roads, power connections, water, schools, universities (too few!), offices and more profits if you run a business. It is the seat of the national government, the capital. Who cares about the capitals of counties - some still contested?

Prices keep us off five-star hotels. We keep hoping that once we make enough money, we shall get there. Few make it. The few who make it feel good, they went through the life lottery. 

The prices in Nairobi make it a five-star city. Whether it's rent, food or other necessities, it’s expensive. The prestige that goes with living in the city adds to its five-star status. There is some status that goes with living in Nairobi - it does not matter if it’s Muthaiga or Kawangware. One Nairobi city town clerk told us Nairobi is for whiskey, not Chang’aa takers. Was he that prophetic? By XN Iraki, The Standard

Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander, Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, has called for closer ties and enhanced security cooperation among Southern African nations to foster unity and peace, in tribute to the late former Tanzanian President Julius Mwalimu Nyerere.

Speaking in Tanzania yesterday during a commemorative dialogue honoring Nyerere, Sanyatwe emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in maintaining peace and stability. The event also featured speeches from former South African President Thabo Mbeki and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.

Nyerere, the founding President of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika), served from 1964 until his voluntary retirement in 1985, becoming the first African head of state to step down from power. He passed away on October 14, 1999.

Sanyatwe acknowledged the profound impact of Nyerere's vision, which continues to shape peace and security in Southern Africa. He attributed the region's relative stability to Nyerere's leadership and his role as one of the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

"To date, sister armed forces in the region continue to ride on Mwalimu's vision by subscribing students and instructors to each other's military training institutions through bilateral arrangements," Sanyatwe noted.

 
He highlighted the significance of the SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre in Harare, which was inspired by Nyerere's vision for peace and stability in the region. Sanyatwe further credited Nyerere's dedication to regional unity for the establishment of cooperation mechanisms like SADC and the East African Community, which have bolstered political stability and security across the region.

"When conflicts threatened one nation, others supported diplomatically and with peacekeeping and enforcement forces," Sanyatwe remarked, stressing the importance of joint training, equipment sharing, and intelligence collaboration between regional defense and security forces.

However, the general warned that the region and the broader African continent still face challenges from terrorism and foreign interference. He called for a united front to combat these threats, emphasizing the importance of defending national sovereignty and promoting a shared Pan-African identity.

"Though colonialism's shadows linger and foreign forces push their agendas, our strength is in our shared history and Pan-African identity," Sanyatwe said. "By deepening economic and social ties across this region through our own solutions and values, defending each other's sovereignty as stated, we can curb foreign interference and forge our own prosperous destiny."

Sanyatwe, who previously served as Zimbabwe's ambassador to Tanzania between 2019 and 2023, has deep personal and professional ties to the country, having received military training in Tanzania during his youth. His remarks at the commemorative event reflect his enduring connection to Tanzania and his appreciation of Nyerere's legacy in promoting regional peace and cooperation. Bulawayo24 News

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